Pine Grove Science Text Resources Conversation Notes

11/8/10

The purpose of our conversation on 11/8 was to begin thinking about possible resources for "text books" and instruction for Science at Pine Grove for grades 6, 7, & 8. Current text books are about 10 years old and there is interest in replacing this resource.

Questions and points of concern that were shared re: the prospect of using only online resources:

  • Any resource that is used should be age appropriate for the grade level
  • There is interest in having a paper copy available for students (class set?)
  • Not all students have reliable access to technology
  • Most classrooms have access to only one computer
  • What kind of teacher time committment will this type of resource require in terms of organizing lessons, units, and other instructional materials?
  • Can sample lessons/units be viewed or tried before a committment is made?
  • How do the costs compare to purchasing textbooks?
  • How is this different than what teachers are already doing?
  • Are there other online resources that would be more valuable than text?
  • Can each grade customize to it's own needs?
Next steps will be to:
  • share this wiki with science teachers for additional feedback
  • share information with Kathy Southwell to determine future directions